Literacy Matters Vol. 23 Winter 2023

avoidance strategies and family struggles with a disability. It also encourages readers to seek help when needed and to apply perseverance to grow into mature, resilient young adults.

Books for younger readers: Elementary-early childhood books A walk in the words

I Have Bees in My Brain. A Child’s View of Inattentiveness Hammond, T. (2017). Friesen Press. ISBN: 978 525-1034. Illustrator: Huck McIntosh. Topic: ADD This entertainingly illustrated book helps young readers understand what it feels like and what happens in the brain when one has ADD. The illustrations compare

Talbott, H. (2021). Nancy Paulsen Books. ISBN: 978-0399548710. Topic: dyslexia This picture book for young readers won the 2022 Schneider Family Award and shares the author’s struggles with reading and love for drawing and storytelling. The author’s illustrations help readers understand the wave and intensity of feelings that struggling readers

with dyslexia experience. This is an uplifting story about the payoffs of perseverance and determination to learn to read and write. Today, the author publishes his own illustrated stories.

having ADD with a busy beehive inside oneself where lots of talking occurs, that makes it difficult to focus.

Literacy Matters Feature Article

A Dragon with ADHD Herman, S. (2021). Digital Golden Solutions LLC. ISBN: 978-1-64916-095-9 Topic: ADHD The author and illustrator Herman provides lively illustrations to help 4-8-year-olds understand ADHD, and how to get focused and organized. This happens with the help of a boy’s dragon pet that displays signs of ADHD.

Thank you Mr. Falker Polacco, T. (2012). Philomel Books. ISBN: 978 0399237324 . Topic: dyslexia This autobiographical classic tells young readers the story of Trish, the author and illustrator of this book, in her early school years. Trish is a girl with dyslexia who wants to succeed and be able to read like her peers. However, she

continues to fall behind and get bullied mercilessly by peers until a teacher identifies Trish’s challenges and artistic talents and helps her to become a confident reader. Colorful illustrations reflect the emotional turmoil Trish encounters and stress the importance of support and encouragement from teachers, family, and friends.

Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living with ADHD Kraus. J. (2004). Imagination Press. ISBN13: 978 1591471547. Illustrator: Whitney Martin. Topic: ADHD In this timeless classic, young readers hear from Cory what ADHD feels like, how it impacts his grades in school, relationships with family and friends, and his general perception

The alphabet war. A story about dyslexia Burton Robb, D. (2004). Albert Whitman & Company. ISBN: 978-0807503027. Illustrator: Piazza, Gail. Topic: dyslexia In this classic picture book, young readers learn to understand Adam’s struggles from kindergarten until third grade because he cannot make sense of

of and functioning in the world. He also describes how he copes with ADHD via counseling and medication and helpful strategies for school, home and friendship challenges. Overall, this book takes a realistic and positive, and constructive approach to understanding and living with ADHD.

letters and their sounds on paper. After a diagnosis of dyslexia, he finally gets the help he needs and reads his first book in 4th grade. The illustrations depict the intensity of struggles, the character strength it takes, and the critical importance of compassionate, knowledgeable teachers so individuals with dyslexia or related reading issues can get professional help to succeed in school. This story also highlights the importance of identifying strengths to utilize and balance out the stresses of dyslexia.

My Best Friend Will Tucher T. & Lowell, J. (2005). Autism Asperger Co. ISBN13: 978-1931282758 Topic: Autism Jamie and Will are 5th graders and have been friends since kindergarten. Will has autism. Through Jamie’s

Eli —The boy who hated to write, Understanding dysgraphia Richards, R. & Richards, E. (2000). RET Center Press. ISBN: 978-0966135336. Topic: dysgraphia Mother and son Eli wrote this book about Eli’s struggles with dysgraphia and ways to find coping mechanisms to write legibly. It provides a realistic picture of common

eyes, readers learn how she and Will are similar and different. Photos illustrate Will’s abilities and needs and invite discussion to foster understanding of and compassion for individuals with Autism among younger readers and early teens.

| 14 | Literacy Matters | Volume 22 • Winter 2023

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